Ulster have announced that influential half-back Ruan Pienaar has agreed a new contract with the province.

Pienaar has been linked with a move to reigning Heineken Cup champions Toulon at the end of the season.

But in contrast to the speculation, the South African international has instead agreed a 3-year contract extension that will keep him at Ravenhill up until the summer of 2017.

The 29-year-old has emerged as a key figure for Ulster since his arrival in the summer of 2010, scoring 510 points in 63 games.

Pienaar third from the left at the 2012 Rabo Pro 12 Awards ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Pienaar was named at scrum half in the Magners League Team of the Year for the 2010/11 season and also scooped the Magners League player of the Year award.

The following year, he was again selected at scrum half for the RaboDirect Pro12 Dream Team and was named captain of the side.

He has over 70 caps for his country, playing in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

©INPHO/Billy Stickland